Nissan Primera (1994)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc32 years old34 tests72k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

76% of MOT tests on Nissan Primeras from 1994 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 30 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 71,893 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1994 models120th of 204(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models415th of 635(bottom half)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 1994 models average+0%(76% avg)

vs Nissan average-5%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

71,893

Average miles

222,000

Expected for age

The average 1994 Nissan Primera had 71,893 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1994 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Primera by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	71%	876	93,864 mi
2005	70%	1,346	96,366 mi
2004	73%	884	101,219 mi
2003	71%	778	97,457 mi
2002	69%	573	93,604 mi
2001	71%	266	86,445 mi
2000	63%	153	91,010 mi
1999	72%	614	94,917 mi
1998	75%	661	98,694 mi
1997	74%	413	95,198 mi
1996	74%	119	102,610 mi
1995	78%	54	86,506 mi
1994	76%	34	71,893 mi
1993	59%	56	98,848 mi
1992	70%	40	86,859 mi
1991	78%	36	84,924 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1996 · 1840cc Petrol

£2,561/year

76%

same

BMW 3 Series

1996 · 1896cc Petrol

£2,411/year

82%

+6%

Volkswagen Golf

1996 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

74%

-2%

Mercedes E

1994 · 2199cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+3%

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About the 1994 Nissan Primera

The 1994 Nissan Primera is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 71,893 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Primera owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1994 Nissan Primera Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1994 Nissan Primera?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Nissan Primera Reliability Trend

The Nissan Primera has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1994 Nissan Primera

At 32 years old, the Nissan Primera is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 75%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 32 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1994 Nissan Primera stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Primera(1994)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1996)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1996)	82%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Volkswagen Golf(1996)	74%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Mercedes E(1994)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1994 Nissan Primera

Is the 1994 Nissan Primera reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1994 Nissan Primeras ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1994 Nissan Primera cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Nissan Primera?

76% of 34 MOT tests on the 1994 Nissan Primera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 120th of 204 models first registered in 1994 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Primera has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Nissan Primera has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2000 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1994 Nissan Primera?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1994 Nissan Primera is 71,893 miles, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.